Stans, Switzerland: The IAF’s The PC-7 MkII fleet has created multiple milestones since its first delivery in February 2013, states the aircraft maker Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. The basic jet trainer has achieved more than 12,000 flying hours and accumulated well over 24,000 landings. The fleet is based at IAF’s training centre at Dundigal.

As of April, less than two years after contract signature, the Indian Air Force has taken delivery of 35 PC-7 MkII aircraft and the remaining 40 aircraft are being flown-in on a monthly basis under the accelerated delivery schedule.

“Indian Air Force is already planning to advance their plans to enhance the number of student pilots by 150% from the next course,… Furthermore, the PC-7 MkII has enabled the Indian Air Force to increase the basic training syllabus in terms of flight hours by 220% compared to the old syllabus and increase the solo content from only 1 to 14 sorties,” say’s the company release.

In March 2014, the first PC-7 MkII Fixed Base Full Mission Simulator became operational at Dundigal with a second simulator and additional Ground-Based Training Systems due to be installed by the end of this year.